Artwork Page for Charon and the Souls of the Dead

Details / Information for Charon and the Souls of the Dead

Charon and the Souls of the Dead

c. 1858

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux

(French, 1827–1875)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
Pen and brown ink and graphite on antique laid paper (recto), black chalk on antique laid paper (verso)
Measurements
Sheet: 16.1 x 22.4 cm (6 5/16 x 8 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2019.251
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

This drawing was probably Carpeaux’s first version of the subject. In later sketches, he greatly reduced the number of figures in the composition.

Description

This drawing was likely created during time that Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux spent in Rome, where he studied the work of Renaissance masters. Carpeaux was particularly influenced by Michelangelo, especially the Italian sculptor’s compositions featuring twisted bodies and stacked forms. This drawing is one of several that were created in preparation for a painting—which was never completed—of Charon, responsible for ferrying deceased souls to the world of the dead.
A horizontally oriented pen and brown ink drawing on beige paper depicts a crowded boat of nude figures with light skin tones. At the center, a muscular Charon raises a long pole above his head. To the right, a large, sweeping sail-like form curves over the vessel. Loose, dark lines define the figures and a swirling background, capturing a sense of chaotic movement throughout the energetic composition.

Charon and the Souls of the Dead

c. 1858

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux

(French, 1827–1875)
France, 19th century

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